Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

1 Samuel 19:2

Next

But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret [place], and hide thyself:

But Jonathan {H3083} Saul's {H7586} son {H1121} delighted {H2654} much {H3966} in David {H1732}: and Jonathan {H3083} told {H5046} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Saul {H7586} my father {H1} seeketh {H1245} to kill {H4191} thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed {H8104} to thyself until the morning {H1242}, and abide {H3427} in a secret {H5643} place, and hide {H2244} thyself:

he told him, "My father Sha'ul is out to have you killed. Therefore you must be very cautious tomorrow morning. Find a well-concealed place to hide in.

so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

And Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

Commentary

1 Samuel 19:2 reveals a pivotal moment in the complex relationship between King Saul, his son Jonathan, and David. This verse highlights Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, contrasting sharply with Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent.

Context

This verse immediately follows Saul's renewed attempts to kill David. Saul's fear and hatred of David had intensified after David's military successes and the people's adoration, as evidenced by the women's song, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul had already tried to pin David to the wall with a javelin (1 Samuel 18:11). Jonathan, despite being Saul's son and heir to the throne, had previously formed a deep, covenantal bond with David, described as his soul being "knit with the soul of David" (1 Samuel 18:1). This verse demonstrates Jonathan's commitment to that bond, even at great personal risk, by directly defying his father's wicked plans.

Key Themes

  • True Friendship and Loyalty: Jonathan's actions exemplify profound friendship, prioritizing David's safety and well-being over his own potential inheritance or allegiance to a murderous father. His loyalty is a stark contrast to Saul's erratic and violent behavior.
  • Divine Protection: Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, God consistently provides means of escape and protection for David, often through unexpected allies like Jonathan. This underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen one, who was destined to be king.
  • Jealousy's Destructive Power: Saul's escalating jealousy and paranoia lead him to irrational and murderous actions, demonstrating how unchecked envy can consume an individual and damage relationships, even within one's own family.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "delighted much in David" translates the Hebrew חָפֵץ מְאֹד (chaphets me'od), which conveys a deep affection and pleasure. It signifies more than just liking; it indicates a profound emotional bond and a strong desire for David's well-being. This reinforces the covenantal love and profound connection between Jonathan and David, a cornerstone of their relationship throughout the book of 1 Samuel.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable nature of genuine friendship, where one's well-being is truly sought and protected. It encourages us to be friends who love at all times, willing to stand up for what is right even when it is difficult. Furthermore, it cautions against the destructive nature of envy and uncontrolled anger, which can lead to great harm. For believers, it highlights God's sovereign protection over those He has chosen and called, often working through the compassion and courage of others to ensure safety and fulfill His divine purposes.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 17:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

  • Acts 9:24 (3 votes)

    But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

  • Psalms 16:3 (2 votes)

    [But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.

  • 1 John 3:12 (2 votes)

    Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

  • 1 John 3:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.

  • Acts 23:16 (2 votes)

    And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

  • 1 Samuel 18:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.